Anytime any of my friends or family goes travelling, I hope that there will not be a travel emergency. And that's why I always encourage people to buy some type of travel insurance as you never know what can happen.
My dad is really good about buying travel insurance because he never wants to burden me with expenses. (THANKS DAD!) But it was just an odd conversation last time he went on a trip and gave me the details of his insurance.
"Ok Alice, in the event that I die out there, no need to ship my body back. It's much too expensive."
"Ok Dad. Whatever you want."
"But remember, don't get me cremated. You know how I'm scared of fire."
"Ok Dad. Whatever you want."
But a couple of days later when he got clarification about his insurance, he called me back and changed his tune.
"Ok, if I die out there, no problem. My insurance will pay for the shipping of my body back to Canada. See?" He had the insurance agent highlight the section.
I hope for my dad's sake and the insurance company, my dad never has to collect.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Jobs
Everybody talks about how the tech jobs are the jobs to have these days. Well true to some extent. I just think about all the computer problems I give to my husband. But that type of work isn't for everybody.
Dream job, I'd be an astronaut. SWEET. And stop calling me a space cadet already.
Daytime job, what I'm doing is pretty darn good. Though I'd like to organize for some big money company one day. Big rewards.
Job I'd hate to have, anything to do with bugs. That kind of stuff grosses me out. Today I saw some big ass cockroach...I screamed, I used my kid's boot to trample the crap out of it. Even when the guts were gushed out, I still kept hitting like I had to kill it 6 times over.
So techie stuff, yeah, I'll stick with the playing with new gadgets. They don't need someone like me trying to fix stuff.
Dream job, I'd be an astronaut. SWEET. And stop calling me a space cadet already.
Daytime job, what I'm doing is pretty darn good. Though I'd like to organize for some big money company one day. Big rewards.
Job I'd hate to have, anything to do with bugs. That kind of stuff grosses me out. Today I saw some big ass cockroach...I screamed, I used my kid's boot to trample the crap out of it. Even when the guts were gushed out, I still kept hitting like I had to kill it 6 times over.
So techie stuff, yeah, I'll stick with the playing with new gadgets. They don't need someone like me trying to fix stuff.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Perfect Moms
Oh, the perfect moms!!! Hey, I hate to tell you, they don't exist!! I'm sure I've broken and violated some sacred "Mom" law. But it's true. And the more society and us moms can accept this, I honestly think that this world will be slightly better.
I get that moms want to be perfect, but it's just not possible. With all the pressures of work/staying at home to take care of children, the demands of everybody and I mean everybody, being a chauffeur, organizing all the activities, packing all the lunches, and everything else that needs done...moms can't do it all. Really. I know it looks like we can sometimes, but we are only human too. And sometimes, we do break, lose it and cry our little eyes out, and sometimes, we just flip out on the ones we love the most.
And that's why I only hang out with certain moms. The ones that want to think they are perfect are always competing. And healthy competition is ok. But with motherhood, it's tough enough and you want as many allies as possible. Strength in numbers and it's true when it takes a whole village to take care of those little ones. And sometimes, I think it's these "perfect moms" that have the issue. Why do they need to portray that out there?
I choose to spend my time with moms who have dealt with it all, can honestly say that they have screamed at their kids, can talk about their darkest days of parenting, been so scared about what they've done, and had barf all over them. Those are the real moms. Those are the ones that will understand when you're breaking and need some help. Those are the ones that can laugh at their imperfections. Those are the best allies you can find in parenthood.
I get that moms want to be perfect, but it's just not possible. With all the pressures of work/staying at home to take care of children, the demands of everybody and I mean everybody, being a chauffeur, organizing all the activities, packing all the lunches, and everything else that needs done...moms can't do it all. Really. I know it looks like we can sometimes, but we are only human too. And sometimes, we do break, lose it and cry our little eyes out, and sometimes, we just flip out on the ones we love the most.
And that's why I only hang out with certain moms. The ones that want to think they are perfect are always competing. And healthy competition is ok. But with motherhood, it's tough enough and you want as many allies as possible. Strength in numbers and it's true when it takes a whole village to take care of those little ones. And sometimes, I think it's these "perfect moms" that have the issue. Why do they need to portray that out there?
I choose to spend my time with moms who have dealt with it all, can honestly say that they have screamed at their kids, can talk about their darkest days of parenting, been so scared about what they've done, and had barf all over them. Those are the real moms. Those are the ones that will understand when you're breaking and need some help. Those are the ones that can laugh at their imperfections. Those are the best allies you can find in parenthood.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Little Kindness
I am very selective about the friends that I have around me. I know that sounds elitist and plain old mean. But it's true. And there are a number of reasons why this is the case. One of the reasons is that I only choose friends that can support me in a positive way.
Tonight was a prime example. It was a long day and honestly, it's just been a long haul mentally lately with everything going on. As much as I like cooking, sometimes dinner can be a real chore. I wasn't particularly wanting to cook and I didn't want to spend a bunch of bucks on food.
And lo and behold, when I got home and went to go check my mail, there was a big bag on my front porch. I looked inside and it was filled with food! I went inside the house and I couldn't find a note anywhere. I was so thankful that I wanted to cry. It was pretty much food that was made up that I could serve in a jiffy. No muss, no fuss. Finally, I found out who it was as they left a Facebook message. LOL!
It probably wouldn't have taken me that long tonight to cook a meal. But really, this gift of time and gift of nourishment came on a really good day. This gift of time actually gave me extra time to read and cuddle my kids, clean up a couple of things that I've been meaning to do, and just a couple of extra minutes of time to myself. OMG. So awesome.
So thank you to my lovely friend tonight. You filled my "bucket" tonight. And to all my other lovely friends that continue to surround me and support me in ways that only you can, thank you. It's really people like you that make this world such a better place.
Tonight was a prime example. It was a long day and honestly, it's just been a long haul mentally lately with everything going on. As much as I like cooking, sometimes dinner can be a real chore. I wasn't particularly wanting to cook and I didn't want to spend a bunch of bucks on food.
And lo and behold, when I got home and went to go check my mail, there was a big bag on my front porch. I looked inside and it was filled with food! I went inside the house and I couldn't find a note anywhere. I was so thankful that I wanted to cry. It was pretty much food that was made up that I could serve in a jiffy. No muss, no fuss. Finally, I found out who it was as they left a Facebook message. LOL!
It probably wouldn't have taken me that long tonight to cook a meal. But really, this gift of time and gift of nourishment came on a really good day. This gift of time actually gave me extra time to read and cuddle my kids, clean up a couple of things that I've been meaning to do, and just a couple of extra minutes of time to myself. OMG. So awesome.
So thank you to my lovely friend tonight. You filled my "bucket" tonight. And to all my other lovely friends that continue to surround me and support me in ways that only you can, thank you. It's really people like you that make this world such a better place.
Labels
I bought a ton of address labels...they are those cute ones that you can put the family's faces on them and personalize them. I love them, especially during Christmas. No need to write out my address 50 times.
And I love them so much that I sometimes just order them for my friends. I get to personalize all those stamps. And I know that sounds stupid...but it's about giving the gift of time to people. I know that writing out your address is not a big deal. But if you're constantly having to do it because you're sending cheques here and there, filling out registration forms for your kids, sending out cards and invitations, I am serious whe I say that your hands get real tired and real fast.
Ahhh...time to write a letter to my pen pal...and you guessed it, I'll be slapping on one of those labels!
And I love them so much that I sometimes just order them for my friends. I get to personalize all those stamps. And I know that sounds stupid...but it's about giving the gift of time to people. I know that writing out your address is not a big deal. But if you're constantly having to do it because you're sending cheques here and there, filling out registration forms for your kids, sending out cards and invitations, I am serious whe I say that your hands get real tired and real fast.
Ahhh...time to write a letter to my pen pal...and you guessed it, I'll be slapping on one of those labels!
Bluntness
Many years ago, my husband who was my boyfriend at the time, came to my dad's place for dinner. And my dad's friend was also having dinner with us.
All of us had a really great time just chatting and getting to know each other. It was great because she actually spoke English too which made it so much easier for my husband. So I thought they really got along.
But out of nowhere, and remember, this woman just met my boyfriend for the first time...she blurts out, "You know, you can get hair replacements." Ummm. Ok, maybe my husband has a receding hair line. But OMG, really? Did you want to mention one of those best hair loss product lines for him too? Let's just say, my husband took it real well. But I can not believe that she just blurted it out as if she was saying the weather was nice. I'm all for directness, but that type of bluntness somewhat scares me.
I'm sure it's been 10 years ago...but still, the incident was like it was yesterday.
All of us had a really great time just chatting and getting to know each other. It was great because she actually spoke English too which made it so much easier for my husband. So I thought they really got along.
But out of nowhere, and remember, this woman just met my boyfriend for the first time...she blurts out, "You know, you can get hair replacements." Ummm. Ok, maybe my husband has a receding hair line. But OMG, really? Did you want to mention one of those best hair loss product lines for him too? Let's just say, my husband took it real well. But I can not believe that she just blurted it out as if she was saying the weather was nice. I'm all for directness, but that type of bluntness somewhat scares me.
I'm sure it's been 10 years ago...but still, the incident was like it was yesterday.
Creams
I was asked to put in my name to do one of those wrinkle cream reviews. I don't know if I should be pissed that they asked me because are they saying I have too many wrinkles? Or are they saying I can product test well. Either way, if I get to do it, I get to try something.
And I have to say, doing product reviews just rocks. I can totally be honest how I feel about a product. And the best part is, if I like it, I will be a long time customer. The company also wins because they get to really hear how real people feel about their product. Can't say I'm always complimentary.
Hey, if any of you have tested out stuff, you should let me know. I love to hear about new products and reviews of things!
And I have to say, doing product reviews just rocks. I can totally be honest how I feel about a product. And the best part is, if I like it, I will be a long time customer. The company also wins because they get to really hear how real people feel about their product. Can't say I'm always complimentary.
Hey, if any of you have tested out stuff, you should let me know. I love to hear about new products and reviews of things!
Insurance
Everytime I get a letter from the union, I also get some pamphlet to inform me that I can get lower rates for insurance. This includes vehicle insurance quotes, house insurance, etc. And I can call to just compare the costs to my own insurance company and they bet they will be lower.
Hmmm. I tried and I'm not so sure. And I know this is odd, but if I did buy from them, I'd feel like I was buying no name brand insurance. I'm sure that's not the case. But there is something very soothing about buying from a well known insurance company. Don't get me wrong, I buy no name products all the time. But I do have a limit to what I will buy as a no name product.
Hmmm. I tried and I'm not so sure. And I know this is odd, but if I did buy from them, I'd feel like I was buying no name brand insurance. I'm sure that's not the case. But there is something very soothing about buying from a well known insurance company. Don't get me wrong, I buy no name products all the time. But I do have a limit to what I will buy as a no name product.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Public Service Announcement
I've blogged about this before. But I felt the dire need to do it again today. The topic is mercy flushes.
Seriously, I walked into that work washroom today into a cloud of "you know what smell." I know we all do it and sometimes you just have to go at work. Fine, go because I don't need you exploding. But if you're going to do a number 2, then flush in between. Really, I don't care if you flush 5 times while I'm in there. I know what you're doing. But I'd rather know what you're doing than smell it.
To me, this is being kind to your co-workers. No one needs to half faint as they are walking out of that washroom.
On a segue, I'm all for people telling me stuff. But there is a thing called too much information, or TMI. Today, I had a co-worker talk to me about their bowel movements, their colitis and their irritable bowel syndrome. It's one thing to tell me about it, but to tell me about every little rumble, every "place" you have to go, and other nasty details? I realize I'm not the only one in the office that is hearing all this stuff. But honestly, TMI. And if I could mercy flush the conversation, I would.
Seriously, I walked into that work washroom today into a cloud of "you know what smell." I know we all do it and sometimes you just have to go at work. Fine, go because I don't need you exploding. But if you're going to do a number 2, then flush in between. Really, I don't care if you flush 5 times while I'm in there. I know what you're doing. But I'd rather know what you're doing than smell it.
To me, this is being kind to your co-workers. No one needs to half faint as they are walking out of that washroom.
On a segue, I'm all for people telling me stuff. But there is a thing called too much information, or TMI. Today, I had a co-worker talk to me about their bowel movements, their colitis and their irritable bowel syndrome.
Muffin Top
Boo. I've always had a bit of a muffin top. And after having kids, well, that muffin top is a big one. Though I try to exercise and eat better, unfortunately I have not made a complete lifestyle change. I love eating too much and I really enjoy it as a social event. Makes it a little hard to lose weight. And honestly, exercising 3 hours a day to get rid of that food is not an option either.
Yep, I know what to do to try reducing belly fat. But I have yet to truly implement the steps. Well, I continue to go 1 step forward but 2 steps back.
If the government can start this stupid HST, then maybe they should just slap a 90% tax on junk food. That'll stop me from me eating junk food because I'll be too cheap to buy the item!
Yep, I know what to do to try reducing belly fat. But I have yet to truly implement the steps. Well, I continue to go 1 step forward but 2 steps back.
Advertising
For once, I'd like to see honest advertising. I know...I'm asking for the world here. I always see ads for the diet pill that works. But unfortunately, every review that is ever written is just on a different site, but with the same content. You decide if that's a good enough review for you.
This is not a slag on those that take these pills. I just hope that whatever it is that they are taking into their bodies is actually suitable for their body and they get the results that they want.
This is not a slag on those that take these pills. I just hope that whatever it is that they are taking into their bodies is actually suitable for their body and they get the results that they want.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Pet Peeve
Everybody has pet peeves. I also have my share of them. And I bet because I'm talking about all of this, I don't even realize that I'm doing it myself.
My one pet peeve has always been when people ask "how are you" and then proceed to answer for you. So literally, the conversation goes like this:
"Hey, how are you? You must be stressed...you must be happy after what happened."
But my response is usually the opposite of the person. Then I end up having to justify or argue to this person why I'm not feeling the way that they were expecting me to feel. So these conversations go like this:
"Hey, how are you? You must be stressed/you must be happy after what happened."
"Um, no. Actually I'm not stressed about the current situation."
"Well, why not? That would be stressful to me and it looked stressful."
"Well, it wasn't to me. I feel ok and I feel that I've been handling things just fine. Maybe my face looks stressed, but I'm probably concentrating."
"No, I'm sure you are totally stressed out."
"No, I'm not." And I think to myself, yeah, I'm starting to stress out because you won't shut up about how I feel!
Honestly, one of the most important lessons that someone taught me was this...if you're going to ask someone "how are you" then make sure you're ready for an answer. Whatever that answer is. But never answer for people. It pisses people off...people like me.
My one pet peeve has always been when people ask "how are you" and then proceed to answer for you. So literally, the conversation goes like this:
"Hey, how are you? You must be stressed...you must be happy after what happened."
But my response is usually the opposite of the person. Then I end up having to justify or argue to this person why I'm not feeling the way that they were expecting me to feel. So these conversations go like this:
"Hey, how are you? You must be stressed/you must be happy after what happened."
"Um, no. Actually I'm not stressed about the current situation."
"Well, why not? That would be stressful to me and it looked stressful."
"Well, it wasn't to me. I feel ok and I feel that I've been handling things just fine. Maybe my face looks stressed, but I'm probably concentrating."
"No, I'm sure you are totally stressed out."
"No, I'm not." And I think to myself, yeah, I'm starting to stress out because you won't shut up about how I feel!
Honestly, one of the most important lessons that someone taught me was this...if you're going to ask someone "how are you" then make sure you're ready for an answer. Whatever that answer is. But never answer for people. It pisses people off...people like me.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Eat, Pray, Love
Yes, I finally watched it. It only took me about a month, but I finally went. I pretty much knew that the movie wasn't going to be as good as the book. But for a chick flick, it worked for me.
I wanted to go for a number of reasons. One, how did it compare to the book? Secondly, was Julia Roberts any good in this movie? I always think she's a bit of a one act deal. Last but not least, I wanted to check out the scenery of the 3 different places she went to as I've been to 2 of them.
Yep, it took the good pieces out of the book. But not a lot of depth. That's fine. It was a good Coles notes version of the movie.
As for Julia Roberts, for once, I actually liked her acting. I didn't love her. And it was almost different enough from her other acting. And maybe I was willing to like her as I really enjoyed the book.
The scenery in the movie was great! I loved the panoramic shots. I especially loved the shots of places that I visited as it brought back many good memories for me. There were a couple of shots that totally reminded me of my trip with my husband to Rome. The food shots were awesome as the food there really is so beautiful. The city scape is something to awe at. The Tuscan country shots made me long for quietness and tranquility.
Though, I do have to admit, there was once scene of Bali that did not bring back great memories...though it is funny to think back on. There was a shot of a monkey on a branch sitting there, people watching and eating. Seeing a monkey doesn't usually bring about bad memories. But when I was in Bali in the monkey forest, one of those damn monkeys saw something in my hand that was food. The damn thing basically jumped from its branch onto my head and attacked me making me scream like a banshee. One of the local tour guides took off her slipper and just slapped the monkey away. For her, it was a regular day. For me, it was somewhat horrifying. I'm glad I went to that damn monkey forest, but I won't be going back anytime soon. I swear, the monkey in the movie was looking at me...and mocking me. It's probably the same damn monkey.
I just wish that I had gone to Bali after reading this book. However, it wasn't an option as the book was written well after I returned from Bali. But I do wish that I had met Ketut. Who knows what he would have told me?
So, a nice afternoon spent by myself watching a chick flick, and getting a break that I desperately needed.
I wanted to go for a number of reasons. One, how did it compare to the book? Secondly, was Julia Roberts any good in this movie? I always think she's a bit of a one act deal. Last but not least, I wanted to check out the scenery of the 3 different places she went to as I've been to 2 of them.
Yep, it took the good pieces out of the book. But not a lot of depth. That's fine. It was a good Coles notes version of the movie.
As for Julia Roberts, for once, I actually liked her acting. I didn't love her. And it was almost different enough from her other acting. And maybe I was willing to like her as I really enjoyed the book.
The scenery in the movie was great! I loved the panoramic shots. I especially loved the shots of places that I visited as it brought back many good memories for me. There were a couple of shots that totally reminded me of my trip with my husband to Rome. The food shots were awesome as the food there really is so beautiful. The city scape is something to awe at. The Tuscan country shots made me long for quietness and tranquility.
Though, I do have to admit, there was once scene of Bali that did not bring back great memories...though it is funny to think back on. There was a shot of a monkey on a branch sitting there, people watching and eating. Seeing a monkey doesn't usually bring about bad memories. But when I was in Bali in the monkey forest, one of those damn monkeys saw something in my hand that was food. The damn thing basically jumped from its branch onto my head and attacked me making me scream like a banshee. One of the local tour guides took off her slipper and just slapped the monkey away. For her, it was a regular day. For me, it was somewhat horrifying. I'm glad I went to that damn monkey forest, but I won't be going back anytime soon. I swear, the monkey in the movie was looking at me...and mocking me. It's probably the same damn monkey.
I just wish that I had gone to Bali after reading this book. However, it wasn't an option as the book was written well after I returned from Bali. But I do wish that I had met Ketut. Who knows what he would have told me?
So, a nice afternoon spent by myself watching a chick flick, and getting a break that I desperately needed.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Shaq
Yep, I watch Shaq vs. I'm not too shy to even admit it. They have some neat little contests between Shaquille O'Neal and whoever else. One night it was Penn and Teller. One night it was that Bieber kid. One night, Shaq was boxing. He just gets into these ridiculous contests and basically, he tries to win.
So I watched it last night and he had 2 competitions. One was a hot dog eating contest with the champion hot dog eaters. Craziness. The second competition was with Charles Barclay. Now, I've watched Shaq and Charles mock each other before. But this was taking mocking to the next level. They were totally killing it with their shots. It was awesome.
That of course made me think of my friend, Miss K. I swear, she is the only person in the world that can mock me mercilessly...and I just sit there, laugh and take it all in. Seriously, anybody else in this world who mocks me like her would have a black eye as I'd punch them. But no, this gal must be slipping something into my tofu shirataki noodles, because I don't have an issue with her mocking. And she mocks me on everything that I love...EVERYTHING. From the Olympics, to my taiko drumming, to my love of Korean ribs, etc...that girl has no shame and will take me down on any topic.
I have to keep watching this show...I might learn a couple of zingers that I can fire back!
So I watched it last night and he had 2 competitions. One was a hot dog eating contest with the champion hot dog eaters. Craziness. The second competition was with Charles Barclay. Now, I've watched Shaq and Charles mock each other before. But this was taking mocking to the next level. They were totally killing it with their shots. It was awesome.
That of course made me think of my friend, Miss K. I swear, she is the only person in the world that can mock me mercilessly...and I just sit there, laugh and take it all in. Seriously, anybody else in this world who mocks me like her would have a black eye as I'd punch them. But no, this gal must be slipping something into my tofu shirataki noodles, because I don't have an issue with her mocking. And she mocks me on everything that I love...EVERYTHING. From the Olympics, to my taiko drumming, to my love of Korean ribs, etc...that girl has no shame and will take me down on any topic.
I have to keep watching this show...I might learn a couple of zingers that I can fire back!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Holidays
My one daughter has a daycare that closes down for 2 weeks of the year. One is during the last week of August. It's a bit of a pain because I have to take time off during this week or have some type of care lined up.
But this year, it's come at a good time with so much going on. Yesterday, my family and I just spent the whole day at home. Puttering, riding bikes, a bit of cleaning, vegging. So uneventful, but so needed. Just gave me the down time I needed.
Don't get me wrong, the house is still a mess, but I don't really care. Sometimes, it's ok to just chill. Yep. I'm chilling.
But this year, it's come at a good time with so much going on. Yesterday, my family and I just spent the whole day at home. Puttering, riding bikes, a bit of cleaning, vegging. So uneventful, but so needed. Just gave me the down time I needed.
Don't get me wrong, the house is still a mess, but I don't really care. Sometimes, it's ok to just chill. Yep. I'm chilling.
Monitors
Our house is a bit of a technology graveyard. We still have monitors in this house that are before the time of the lcd monitor. You know, the BIG ones that take up a whole desk!! My husband wants to keep them around for when we have our big games days so if people want to do a network thing, there is a monitor for each person if they need one. But seriously, in a family of 4, we have about 7 monitors. Seems a little outrageous doesn't it?!
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